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  • SHOULDERS

    Most shoulder problems fall into four major categories:

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    Other less common causes of shoulder pain are tumors, infection, and nerve-related problems

  • BURSITIS

    Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that are located in joints throughout the body, including the shoulder.

     

    They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone.

     

    Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of the bursa between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade known as the acromion.

     

    The result is a condition known as subacromial bursitis. Bursitis often occurs in association with rotator cuff tendinitis.

     

    The many tissues in the shoulder can become inflamed and painful for you. Many daily activities, such as combing your hair or getting yourself dressed, may become difficult.

     

    TENDINITIS

    A tendon is a cord that connects muscle to bone. Most tendinitis is a result of a wearing down of the tendon that occurs slowly over time, much like the wearing process on the sole of a shoe that eventually splits from overuse.

     

    Generally, tendinitis is one of two types:

     

    1. Acute. Excessive ball throwing or other overhead activities during work or sport can lead to acute tendinitis.

     

    2. Chronic. Degenerative diseases like arthritis or repetitive wear and tear due to age, can lead to chronic tendinitis.

     

    Most common affected tendons in the shoulder are the four rotator cuff tendons and one of the biceps tendons. The rotator cuff is made up of four small muscles and tendons that cover the head of your upper arm bone and keep it in the shoulder socket. It provides shoulder motion and stability.

    TENDON TEARS

    Splitting and tearing of tendons may result from acute injury or degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age, long-term overuse and wear and tear, or a sudden injury. These tears may be partial or may completely split the tendon into two pieces. In most cases of complete tears, the tendon is pulled away from its attachment to the bone. Rotator cuff and biceps tendon injuries are among the most common of these injuries.

    IMPINGEMENT

    Shoulder impingement occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted away from the body. As the arm is lifted, the acromion rubs, or “impinges” on, the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This can lead to bursitis and tendinitis, causing pain and limiting movement. Over time, severe impingement can even lead to a rotator cuff tear.

    INSTABILITY

    Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury or from overuse.

     

    Shoulder dislocations can be partial, with the ball of the upper arm coming just partially out of the socket. This is called a subluxation. A complete dislocation means the ball comes all the way out of the socket.

     

    Once the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder become loose or torn, dislocations can occur repeatedly. Recurring dislocations, which may be partial or complete, cause pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Repeated episodes of subluxations or dislocations lead to an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint.

    ARTHRITIS

    Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. There are many types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. Symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and stiffness, typically begin during middle age. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time.

     

    Osteoarthritis, may be related to sports or work injuries and chronic wear and tear. Other types of arthritis can be related to rotator cuff tears, infection, or an inflammation of the joint lining.

     

    Often people will avoid shoulder movements in an attempt to lessen arthritis pain. This sometimes leads to a tightening or stiffening of the soft tissue parts of the joint, resulting in a painful restriction of motion.

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    FRACTURE

    Fractures are broken bones. Shoulder fractures commonly involve the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade).

     

    Shoulder fractures in older patients are often the result of a fall from standing height. In younger patients, shoulder fractures are often caused by a high energy injury, such as a motor vehicle accident or contact sports injury.

     

    Fractures often cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising about the shoulder.

  • TESTS

    Your doctor may order specific tests to help identify the cause of your pain and any other problems

     

    X-rays. These pictures will show any injuries to the bones that make up your shoulder joint.

     

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. These imaging studies create better pictures of soft tissues. It may help your doctor identify injuries to the ligaments and tendons surrounding your shoulder joint.

     

    Computed tomography (CT) scan. Combines x-rays with computer technology to produce a very detailed view of the bones in the shoulder area.

     

    Electrical studies. Your doctor may order tests, such as the EMG (electromyogram), to evaluate nerve function.

     

    Arthrogram. During this x-ray study, dye is injected into the shoulder to better show the joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons.

     

    Arthroscopy. In this surgical procedure, your doctor looks inside the joint with a fiber-optic camera. Arthroscopy may show soft tissue injuries that are not apparent from the physical examination, x-rays, and other tests. In addition to helping find the cause of pain, arthroscopy may be used to correct the problem.

     

    SURGERY

    Surgery may be required to resolve some shoulder problems; however, 90 percent of patients with shoulder pain will respond to simple treatment methods such as altering activities, rest, exercise, and medication.


    Certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring dislocations and some rotator cuff tears, may not benefit from exercise. In these cases, surgery may be recommended fairly early.

     

    Surgery can involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissues, or traditional, open procedures for larger reconstructions or shoulder replacement.